The Texans special teams under Brad Seely and Tracy Smith have stepped up in a big way this season.
"I feel pretty good with where we're at right now," Seely said. "I think our coverage teams are doing well, I think we've got some work to do in our return game, but I think it's a work in progress and I think it's coming along."
Houston's punt coverage team is currently first in the NFL, allowing just 2.7 yards per return. The Texans rank second in kickoff return average, allowing just 18.5 yards per return.
"Our special teams, our coverage units for the most part have played well," head coach Bill O'Brien said Wednesday. "Our return units, especially our punt return, is getting better. I don't think our kickoff return has improved as much as we would want it to do, but our punt return has gotten better. So, I think average drive start is a good stat to look at relative to this game."
In Week 12, Taiwan Jones downed a 57-yard punt by Bryan Anger at the Colts' one-yard line in the first quarter. The nine-year veteran running back ranks second on the Texans with seven total special teams tackles this season. Safety A.J. Moore Jr., who ranks third on the team with six total special teams tackles this season, leads the Texans since joining the team before the 2018 season with 17 career special teams tackles. Anger, who took punting duties for the Texans in Week 3, is averaging 44.0 net yards per punt which is third-best in the NFL. In Week 4 vs. Carolina, Anger tied for the longest punt in franchise history with a 71-yarder.
The Texans will host the New England Patriots on Sunday Night Football in Week 13. Kickoff is set for 7:20 p.m. CT on NBC and SportsRadio 610.
